Today is St. Patrick’s Day! Our Latin lesson today will be a short St. Patrick’s Day Latin translation from the autobiography of St. Patrick himself, where we will explore the historical context of his life, his remarkable journey from captivity to becoming a revered saint, and the significance of his teachings that have inspired countless generations.
My budding Latin scholar will be reading a small segment of St. Patrick’s surviving works, Confessio, in its original Latin, which offers a profound insight into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of early Christianity in Ireland. As they delve into the text, they will not only encounter the linguistic intricacies of Latin but also explore the historical context and significance of St. Patrick’s contributions to the faith, reflecting on his personal journey and the challenges he faced in his mission to convert the Irish people. This experience will undoubtedly deepen their appreciation for classical literature and the enduring legacy of one of Ireland’s most revered figures.
What is Saint Patrick’s Day?
When people think about St. Patrick’s Day they usually think about drinking, eating, and wearing green. Bar hopping and eating corned beef and cabbage is a fun way to celebrate Irish heritage and the contribution Irish immigrants made to America, but I want my kids to understand the origin of the holiday.
St. Patrick was real man. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th or early 5th century, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders as a teenager and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping and later becoming a Christian missionary, he returned to Ireland to spread Christianity. He is credited with converting much of the Irish population and using the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.
March 17th, the date of his death, became a day of remembrance and celebration, eventually growing into a worldwide holiday that honors Irish heritage and culture.
Why Read Primary Sources?
Reading primary sources is important for students because it helps them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of history. For example, when students read The Confession of St. Patrick, they gain insight into his own experiences, struggles, and faith in his own words rather than just learning about him through summaries. Instead of just memorizing facts from a textbook, they can analyze firsthand accounts, such as letters, speeches, and diaries, to see how people in the past thought and felt. This allows students to form their own opinions, recognize bias, and make connections between historical events and the present. Engaging with primary sources also strengthens reading comprehension and helps them become more confident in interpreting complex texts.
St. Patrick’s Day Latin Translation Exercise
My middle schooler just finished Latin for Children Primer C and has expressed interest in translating historic texts. After completing the curriculum he has learned more than 700 high frequency Latin words and Latin’s six main verb tenses.
He has experience translating simple texts written at his level through Latin for Children’s History Readers and is excited for the challenge of translating primary sources.
LIBRI EPISTOLARUM SANCTI PATRICII EPISCOPI.
LIBER PRIMUS: CONFESSIO.
Ego Patricius peccator rusticissimus et minimus omnium fidelium et contemptibilissimus apud plurimos patrem habui Calpornium diaconum filium quendam Potiti presbyteri, qui fuit uico †bannauem taburniae†; uillulam enim prope habuit, ubi ego capturam dedi. Annorum eram tunc fere sedecim. Deum enim uerum ignorabam et Hiberione in captiuitate adductus sum cum tot milia hominum — secundum merita nostra, quia a Deo recessimus et praecepta eius non custodiuimus et sacerdotibus nostris non oboedientes fuimus, qui <nos> nostram salutem admonebant: et Dominus induxit super nos iram animationis suae et dispersit nos in gentibus multis etiam usque ad ultimum terrae, ubi nunc paruitas mea esse uidetur inter alienigenas,
How Do You Teach Latin at Home?
I’d love to hear how your family teaches Latin in you homeschool! Do you incorporate primary sources or other hands-on activities? Share your ideas in the comments!
Seven Founding Hills 
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